Fitch O'Connell: Using literature for language learning

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Fitch O'Connell: Using literature for language learning

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Submitted 6 years 11 months ago by admin.

Date: 28 February 2012

Theme: Using literature - in particular short stories and poetry - as a tool for language learning has opened up new paths and opportunities for the language teacher and student. Using the BritLit model Fitch will trace how the creative aspects of using narrative texts have influenced classroom practice and processes and have helped to challenge the rightful place that literature has in English as a Foreign Language. He will also trace the development of the project and its application and examine some of the results that occur when we tap into the creative reserves of our students.

About the speaker: Fitch O'Connell has been a teacher for longer than he cares to remember. He works as an editor, materials writer and teacher trainer. In 2003 he set up the acclaimed BritLit project for the British Council in Portugal, and has worked since then to help establish a new place for literature in English language teaching. He also contributes to the WordPowered website, which brings together teachers of English by using short stories, poetry and film. He now works as a freelance consultant and is based in Europe.